Chapter 5 Green flag.

"Sometimes, we find ourselves loving the ones we never planned to, as if the heart has its own secret path that reason can't follow."

Sinclair POV

Lunch break. Jeff is sitting across from me, stuffing fries into his mouth like he hasn't eaten in days.

"Man, it's crazy," I say, shaking my head. "My mom tells me she's hired a new secretary, and next thing I know, this Camila or whatever is walking into my office, skirt barely covering anything." I scoff, resting my chin on my hand.

Jeff smirks. "You know your mom is always up to something. You better watch your back."

I exhale. "Yeah. I just don't know what this is yet, and she's been acting rather...strange.

The other day when I was with her, there was something like a mail and the way she rushed to collect it, like no one should get their on hands on them had me wondering. I brushed it off".

"Well, that's strange, sounds like she's trying to set you up." He leans forward, eyes gleaming.

"And from what you've told me, I wouldn't mind meeting this Camila. Latina, right? Bet she'd look even better in my bed."

I give him a look. "You're disgusting."

Jeff laughs, unfazed. "Relax. You sure you're not a little too worked up about this?"

I scoff. "Please. I know my mother. She was grinning like a d*mn Cheshire cat this morning. That's never a good sign."

"Speaking of your mom, her birthday's coming up. What's the plan?"

"Nothing big. Just a small party."

Jeff wiggles his brows. "So, will Camila be there? Maybe you could introduce us."

I lean back, shaking my head. "You never bypass anything in a skirt, do you?"

"Can't help it, man. The ladies love me." He runs a hand through his hair.

"Yeah, sure," I say dryly. "Whatever. I couldn't care less."

Jeff chuckles, reaching for another fry. "You say that now, but if your mom really put her there for a reason? You'll care soon enough."

I roll my eyes, but I can't seem to shake off the feeling.

When lunch is over, we head back to my office, but I make a quick stop at the reception. Sophie would definitely have something to say about the new secretary, she always does.

She likes me. That much is clear. She lights up whenever I walk in, always trying to get me to notice her. But Sophie is... loud. A little over the top. And frankly, not my type.

I lean against the counter, running a hand through my hair. She's in the middle of one of her exaggerated laughs, her whole body shaking as Jeff cracks some joke.

Her round cheeks are flushed, dimples deep as she throws her head back. She claps her hands together when she laughs, something I find oddly amusing.

"Sophie," I cut in smoothly. "What do you know about the new secretary? I assume nothing escapes you." I flash her a knowing smile.

She stops mid laugh, eyes widening. Then, as if realizing she has prime gossip to share, she straightens up.

"Oh, sir..." she starts, leaning forward as if we're sharing a secret. "I have no idea how she got hired! One minute, I see her walking into Mrs. Montclair's office, and the next, boom! Mrs. Montclair tells me she's working here. Just like that!" She throws her hands up for emphasis.

"Interesting," Jeff mutters, smirking.

"How strange," I say, feigning mild interest. "But you really don't know anything about her?" I lean in slightly, lowering my voice just enough to make her feel like this is between us.

Sophie sighs dramatically, her plump fingers tapping the counter. "I wish I did! Apart from how feisty she is, I don't know a thing."

"Feisty?" I raise a brow. "I can attest to that."

Sophie grins, adjusting the too tight blazer over her chest. "Oh, definitely! You should've seen her the other day, walked in here like she owned the place. And the way she spoke to me? Like I was the dirt under her shoes." She pouts, resting a hand on her hip. "I mean, excuse me, sweetheart, but I've been working here for years. A little respect wouldn't kill her."

I chuckle. Arms crossed. "Noted."

Jeff shakes his head. "Thank you, darling. And by the way, there's something about you today, I just can't stop looking." He takes Sophie's hand in his, winking.

She giggles, playfully swatting his arm. "Oh, stop it, you charmer. You know I'm irresistible."

I roll my eyes. "I'll be upstairs."

"Come on, man. Chill," Jeff calls after me, then turns back to Sophie. "See you later, pretty."

As we walk toward the elevator, he throws an arm over my shoulder. "So... about Ann. Haven't heard anything from her in a while."

I glance at him. "Me neither. Liked that chick."

"She was really willing to do anything for the almighty Sinclair," he teases, patting me playfully.

"Stop that," I laugh, shaking my head.

But as the elevator doors slide shut, I find myself thinking about Ann. Our last conversation. The way we left things.

I should call her.

I make a mental note as the elevator begins its ascent.

Camila's POV

After stopping by sinclairs office to know if he needed any other thing and to let him know I was leaving, I couldn't help but admire how focused he was, determined and composed, it was the close of dawn and there he was still busy. I can tell how he got here.

I pass by the hospital and hand over supplies to Rebecca, we talk and next thing I am in tears when I realize her hair started falling again.

Her eyes are pale and there she was still throwing jokes all over the place. I left her half asleep. I needed to prepare for my date with Mike.

When he suggested it over the phone, I hesitated. Was it smart to go on a date with someone while plotting to win another man's heart? But then again, it wasn't like I signed a contract. And maybe, just maybe, it'd help me forget Sinclair for a few hours.

I take a shower and get dressed, nothing too fancy. While mom swoons over me.

"Ooouu, who's the new man" she calls from the kitchen where she was making dinner when I walk out.

I roll my eyes, "it's nothing mom" I say slipping my earring in my ear. "You see why I don't like you staying at my place"

"Yeeesh, take a chill pill, you can't hide him forever though" she chuckles

I walk into the kitchen, grab a fork, and stab a chunk of broccoli straight into my mouth. Then I hear the horn outside.

Of course, Mom's already peeking through the window.

"Mum!!"

"Sorry, sorry" she raises her hands in defeat. "Be safe my little pookie potidu" she says squeezes my cheek playfully.

"Bye mom" I say as I rush out through the from door.

I watch as Mike gets down from the car and walks to the other side to open the door.

"Wow, you look stunning" a wide welcoming smile on his face.

He opens the door for me like a perfect gentleman, and I slide in, offering a soft "thank you." As he joins me in the car, I remind myself this is just dinner. Just one evening. No pressure.

We pull out of the driveway, music humming low in the background. Mike is talking about the restaurant, something about how I'll love their risotto, but my mind drifts.

To rose's pale face.

To Sinclair's eyes when I was about leaving the office.

To the feeling in my chest.

I blink, staring out the window, and that's when I see it.

A dark car, two lanes behind us.

Following.

And for a second, I'm sure of it.

Is that Mrs Montclair's driver?